Welcome and Embrace Retirement

SOME PEOPLE dread retirement. Even when they reach the age of 62, 65, or older, they don't want to think about not going to work on a regular basis. They procrastinate; they make all kinds of excuses; and some even refuse to consider the possibility of being retired.

Why is this?

Admittedly, there are those who discover that they simply cannot afford to retire. So, they keep on working as long as they are physically able. There are others who believe their retirement benefits will not provide the lifestyle that they desire, so they choose to continue to be employed.

However, this article is mostly intended for the multitudes of people who will have pensions, annuities, or other income which will enable them to live as comfortably in retirement - or better - than they did during their working years. So why don't these individuals jump at the chance to retire?

There are, no doubt, several possible answers to this question. One explanation might be that the individual is fearful of the unknown. For example, the person might ask, "What will I do with all my free time?" Another possibility is that little or no preparation was made for retirement during all the years of employment. For example, the individual did not development interests in hobbies or leisure activities which could easily carry-over into senior adulthood and the golden years. Still another likelihood could be that a person's self-esteem is mostly related to the work environment. For example, the individual is most comfortable being in the work setting and atmosphere with colleagues, associates, and other people. Many times those in this category have a very difficult time "letting go" of these social connections and familiar surroundings. Of course, other answers could be given as well.

Consider this: when it is easy to back away from any notion of retiring, a new way of thinking is of paramount importance.

Should we not desire to reap the rewards of all those years in the work force? Wouldn't it be nice to not have to punch a time card? Doesn't it sound good to be less scheduled? Or, what about being less obligated? How about the freedom to travel? Or, the prospects of less stress? Or, the idea of doing more of what you choose to do, not what you are told to do?

None of us know how many more years of life we have remaining. Maybe we need to think about living life to the fullest in our remaining years. How sad it would be to look back at some point in the future and say, "I wish I had retired sooner."

Being retired does not mean that all work must end.  Many retirees find fulfillment in volunteering part-time in various capacities.  For example, for those who love the outdoors, many of our state and national parks have need of volunteer workers. In situations like these, the volunteer jobs become a pure delight - and expose the workers to new leisure adventures. Hundreds of organizations need volunteers, and they often find that their best people are those who are retired.

It's interesting to hear about, or be acquainted with, folks who were able to retire at age 60, 55, 50, or even earlier. Most of these individuals whom I have met have never been sorry.

Perhaps the best advice to those who are nearing the time when they can begin a new chapter of life away from the world of work is to welcome and embrace retirement! And when it comes, to be grateful for the newfound freedoms and the extra hours of expanded leisure opportunities.